Sno\vbound 

for 
Christmas 



MACKENZIE 



PAINE PUBLISHING COMPANY 

DAYTON. OHIO 



MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENTS 

These sonsTS can be used in all manner of entertainments. The 
inii«ic is easy and both music and words are especially catchy. Children 
like them. Everybody likes them. Sheet musio. Price, 35 cents each. 

HERE'S TO THE LAND OF THE STARS AND THE STRIPES. 

(Bugbee- Worrell.) A patriotic song which every child should know and 
love. The sentiment is elevating. The music is martial and Inspiring. 
May be effectively sung by the entire school. Suitable for any occasion 
and may be sung by children or grown-ups. Be the first to use this 
song in your community. 

I'LL NEVER PI/AY WITH YOU AGAIN. (Guptlll-Weaver.) A 
Quarrel between a small boy and girl. The words are defiant and pert. 
The boy and his dog have been in mischief, and the small maiden pout- 
ingly declares that she will never play with him again, but changes her 
mind in the last verse. A taking little duet for any occasion, with full 
directions for motions. 

JOLLY FARMER LADS AND LASSIES. (Irish -Lyman.) A de- 
cidedly humorous action song prepared especially for district SChoola 
It will make a hit wherever produced. 

JOLLY FICTKANINNIES. (Worrell.) Introduce this coon song 
Into your next entertainment. If you use the directions for the mo- 
tions which accompany the music, the pickaninnies will bring down the 
house. Their black faces and shining eyes will guarantee a "hit," The 
words are great and the music just right. 

LULLABY LANE. (Worrell.) This song is one which the chil- 
dren, once having learned, will never forget. The words have the charm 
of the verses written by Robert Louis Stevenson. The music is equally 
sweet and is perfectly suited to the beautiful words. It may be sung 
as a solo by a little girl with a chorus of other little girls with dolls, or 
as a closing song by the whole school. 

MY OWN AMERICA, I LOVE BUT THEE. (Worrell.) Here 
is a song that will arouse patriotiam In the heart of every one who 
hears it. The music is so catchy that the children and grown-ups, too, 
just can't resist it. It makes a capital marching song. 

NOW, AREN'T YOU GLAD YOU CAME? (Guptill-Weaver.) 
This is a closing song which is quite oyt of the ordinary. There is 
humor in every line. The music is lively. Your audience will not 
soon forget this spicy song for it will get many an unexpected laugh. 
The motions which accompany this song make it doubly effective. For 
any occasion and for any number of children. 

WE ARE CREEPY LITTLE SCARECROWS. (Guptill-Weaver.) 
A weird, fascinating action song. You can't go wrong with this song. 
There are four verses and chorus. Complete directions accompany this 
song so that it may be featured as a song and drill, if desired. For any 
occasion and for any number of children. 

WE'VE JUST ARRIVED FROM BASHFUL TOWN. (Worrell.) 
This song will bring memories to the listeners of their own bashful 
school days. They will recall just how '!scared" they were when asked 
to sing or play or speak. The words are unusually clever. The music 
is decidedly melodious. It makes a capital welcome song or it may be 
sung at any time on any program with assured success. 

WE HOPE YOU'VE BROUGHT YOUR SMILES ALONG. (Wor- 
rell.) A welcome song that will at once put the audience In a joyous 
frame of mind and create a happy Impression that will mean half the 
success of your entire program. Words, bright and inspiring. Music, 
catchy. A sure hit for your entertainment. 

WE'LL NOW HAVE TO SAY GOOD-BYE. (Worrell.) This 
beautiful song has snap and go that will appeal alike to visitors and 
singers. It is just the song to send your audience home with happy 
memories of the occasion. 

Paine Publishing Company Dasrton, Ohio 



Snowbound for 
Christmas 



BY 

EDNA I. MACKENZIE 



PAINE PUBLISHING COMPANY 

DAYTON, OHIO 



CHARACTERS ^ fs/\\ 



Ma Simpson. J^\ 

Pa Simpson. 

Minerva, Oldest Daughter, 

Sam^ Oldest Son. 

T (The In Between's. 

Jennie, ) 

Bobby ) ^ . 
-r. y i wins. 

Betty, f 



COSTUMES 

Act I 

Day Before Christmas 

Pa Simpson, Overalls and Work Shirt. 

Ma Simpson, Gingham Dress and Apron. 

Minerva, Red Waist and Blue Skirt. 

Sam ) 

-r^ > Overalls. 

BlLL^ ) 

Bobby, Torn Blouse and Good Trousers. 
Jennie, Old Dress. 
Betty, Old Dress. 

Act II 
Christmas Morning 
Girls in Flannelette Night Dresses and Bed-Room Slip- 
pers. • » ; 
Boys in Pajamas. * ■ 
Pa in Bathrobe and .Ma in Wrapper. 

Time of Playing — About Twenty-five Minutes. 

Copyright, 1921, by Paine Publishing Company 



DEC I6I92PCI.D 59^85 



r^'v^ 



Snowbound for Christmas 



Act I 

Scene. — A living room in the Simpson farmhouse: Toys, 

books, etc., are strewn around untidily. Children play with 
these when not talking. Doors Left and Right. 

The curtain rises on Ma Simpson knitting by table in 
Centre, and Pa Simpson reading the newspaper. 
Enter Sam, covered with snow 

Sam — It's still snowin', Ma. 

Ma {not looking up) — Yes, Sam. 

Sam — It's been snowin' for three days, Ma. 

Ma — Yes, Sam. 

Sam — And tomorrow's Christmas, Ma. 

Ma— Yes, Sam. 

Pa (throws down paper) — Do you suppose we don't 
know that it's snowing, and that it's been snowing for three 
days and tomorrow's Christmas. Can't you tell us some- 
thing new? 

Sam — But, Pa, how are we going to get to town to buy 
our Christmas presents and things ? 

3 



SNOWBOUND FOR CHRISTMAS. 

Pa {gruffly) — We can't go and that's all about it. The 
horses couldn't plow half a rod through these snowdrifts. 

Sam — But whatever are we going to do for Christmas? 

Ma {shaking her head) — I guess we will have to do with- 
out Christmas this year. 

Minerva enters 

MiNERVA: — Do without Christmas ! Oh, Ma ! 

Ma {brushing away tears) — Vm sorry Minerva, but with 

the twins down with the grippe last week and it snowing 
so hard this week we couldn't get to town and — and {puts 
apron to eye). I feel every bit as bad as you youngsters. 
I've always prided myself on giving you a happy Christmas, 
and to think that I haven't a thing ready this year. Oh, you 
poor, poor children {cries). 

Pa — Now, see what you've done. Run away children and 
stop pesterin' your Ma. 

Minerva {kissing Ma), — Never mind, Ala. We know it 
couldn't be helped. We can do one year without Christ- 
mas, can't we, Sam? 

Sam {patting Ma awkwardly) — Of course. Don't you 
w^orry about us kids. Ma. We'll get along. 

Ma — Bless your dear, kind hearts. But the little ones, 
the twins, how can I tell them that Santa can't come this 
year? 



SNOWBOUND FOR CHRISTMAS. 

Pa — Those kids have got enough toys as it is to last them 
a life time. Look at this room. You'd think a hurricane 
had struck it. 

Ma — I know, I know. But they've been stuck in the 
house so long that they're bound to get their play things 
around. It's not the toys they need, but to tell them Santa 
won't be here. Oh, I can't! I can't! 

Minerva — Perhaps, Ma, we older ones could make them 
some presents. I could make a dandy nigger doll out of a 
bottle and a black stocking. Sara Martin showed me how 
to do it. 

Sam — ^ril go and get my tools right away and make a 
cradle for the doll. 

Minerva — And I'll give Jennie that ring that's got too 
small for me. 

Sam — I'll paint my old sled over for Bobby and give 
Bill my hockey stick. 

Pa — That's the idea! You kids have got good heads on 
you. 

Sam — Come on, Minerva, let's get busy. 
Exit Minerva and Sam 

Ma — ^The dear children! There's not a woman living 
has better children than we have. 

Pa (blowing nose) — You're right there. I guess they 
take after their ma. 



SNOWBOUND FOR CHRISTMAS. 

Ma — How you do talk ! And to think that my own chil- 
dren have to teach their ma a lesson. Here am I moping 
away because I hadn't anything ready when I should be 
hunting up and planning for them. W^hat a silly old goose 
Fm getting to be (jumps up). I'll — 

Pa — Now, Ma, don't go and call yourself names. You're 
simply tired out working yourself to death for these young- 
sters and — 

Ma — There's that old Persian Lamb coat I got before I 
was married. I'll make muffs and capes out of it for Jen- 
nie and Betty. It's moth-eaten in spots, but there's plent}^ 
good fur left and Minerva can help me make them. And — 
and — for Minerva I'll (rubs head) oh, I know, I'll make 
Minerva a party dress out of my white silk wedding dress. 
I ain't never worn it much, and it's almost as good as new. 

Pa — Not your wedding dress ! You ain't goin' to cut 
that up ! 

Ma — Why, ain't I? Laws-a-me, I can't wear it anymore. 
It wouldn't come within five inches of meeting round the 
waist, and it's too old fashioned for Minerva to wear the 
way it is. 

Pa — But your wedding dress, the dress you wore when 
we two was made one, and you lookin' like an angel 
straight out of heaven in it. Oh, I couldn't bear to see that 
cut up. 

Ma — Now, Pa, don't you go and talk nonsense. I didn't 
know you had that much sentiment in you. To tell the 

6 



SNOWBOUND FOR CHRISTMAS. 

truth I hate to have it cut up myself, but when it comes to 
making that dear child happy I'd give her my head on a 
charger if it would do her any good. 

Pa — Who's talkin' nonsense now? Well, since youVe 
got the girls fixed up I guess Til have to think up something 
for the boys. Blest if I know what I can give them 
(scratches head). 

Ma — It's awful hard planning for boys. They ain't so 
easy pleased as girls with fixed over things. They're more 
for animals and such like. 

Pa — There you've got it, Ma! I'll give Sam that little 
black colt all for his own. He's just crazy about it and 
Bill — let's see — ^^what can I give — Oh yes, there's that Jersey 
heifer that's goin' to be a sure-enough winner some day — 
I'll give him that. Then there's Bobby, what in the dickens 
can I give that tyke. He's too young — 

Ma (at door) — Hush, I hear him coming. 

Bobby rushes in 

Bobby — Oh, Ma, what do you think! I found a dozen 
eggs hid away in the hay-mow. 

Ma — Why Bobby, whatever are you doing with your 
Sunday trousers on? 

Pa — How'd you happen to find the eggs? 

Bobby — I was jumpin' ofl^ the beam into the hay and I 
landed right on top of them. Didn't know they was there. 
Gee, there was some spill. I guess them eggs was layed last 

7 



SNOWBOUND FOR CHRISTMAS. 

summer, they smelt like it (pause). That's why I got my 
Sunday trousers on, Ma. 

Ma — Well, run along now and see that you don't get any 
more eggs for if you spoil them trousers you go to bed. 
You ain't got any others. 

Bobby — All right, Ma. I only wished we had a swing 
in the barn like Pete Miller's. Yuh kin go clean to the roof 
in it. It beats jumpin' in the hay all holler (j^iins out). 

Pa — The very thing! I'll put a swing up in the barn 
for Bobby. I'll give him a big bag of butternuts to crack 
to keep him out of the way 'till I git it up. 

Ma — And I'll get Minerva to make tafify to put the nuts 
in (exit Pa and Ma) 

Enter Minerva with bottle and stocking, Sam with chest of 
tools and boards 

Minerva — I'm so glad I thought of this. It will be dif- 
ferent from any doll she's ever had (puts stocking on bottle) . 
I'll sew on beads for eyes with white paper pasted on for 
whites and red for a mouth and — 

Sam (sawing wood) — This will be some cradle when I 
get done, you bet your life. 

Minerva (severely) — It's sure awful, the slang you use, 
You should cut it out. 

Sam (jeeringly) — I should cut it out, eh! Cut it out 
isn't slang! Oh my stars! (turns handspring). Say, Sis, 



SNOWBOUND FOR CHRISTMAS. 

don't you know that people in stone houses shouldn't throw 
glass ? 

Minerva — No, I don't, and if I were you I wouldn't start 
quoting until I could get it right. 

Bobby (outside) — I did hear Santa's reindeer. I know I 
did. 

V 

Minerva (jumping up) — Here's the twins. Hide your 
stuff quick (scramble). 

Enter Bobby and Betty 
Betty has black sticking-plaster over front teeth to hide them, 

Betty — Aw, you didn't (runs to Minerva), Thanta only 
cometh at night, don't ee, Nerva? 

Minerva (lifting her on her knee) — Yes, dear, when 
you're fast asleep in — 

Bobby — But I did hear him, I heard the bells jingle in the 
roof. 

Minerva — Perhaps he's around seeing if you're good 
children and don't quarrel. You know he doesn't give pres- 
ents to bad children. 

Betty — Uths hathn't lighted for twO' days. Uths been 
awful good, hathn't uth, Bobby? 

Bobby — Yep, but if Christmas doesn't hurry up and 
come I'll bust, I know I will. 

Enter Bill and Jennie 
9 



SNOWBOUND FOR CHRISTMAS. 

Bill — Sam, what do you know, Pa says we can't get into 
town. How are we going to buy — 

Sam {shakes hand in warning behind twin's hacks) — See 
here Bill, I— I— 

Bill — Say, what's the matter with you, Sam? Have you 
got the palsy? 

Sam {pulling him to front) — No, but I wish you had. 
Ain't you got any sense? Do' you want the kids to quit 
believin' in Santa? 

Bill — No, but how — 

Jennie {to Minerva) — Ain't we goin' to get any Christ- 
mas presents, Nervy? 

Minerva — Of course we are, dear. 

Jennie — But where are we going to get them? 

Betty — From Thanta, of courth. Where elth could you 
get them ? 

Minerva — Of course. He's never failed us yet and I 
guess he isn't going to this Christmas either. Twinnies, 
have you all the pop-corn strings made for the tree? 

Bobby — No, let's go to the kitchen and finish them, Betty 
{exit twins), 

Jenny — But Nervy, w^here are we goin' to git them? 
Bill — Yes, where ? Pa and Ma never got to town and — 
Minerva — By making them for each other. 

10 



SNOWBOUND FOR CHRISTMAS. 

Bill and Jennie — By making them! 

Sam — Yes, why not? {gets tools, etc). Sis and I are 
making our presents. 

Bill — What are you makin'? 

Sam — Wouldn't you like to know, now? 

Jennie — But, Nervy, made things won't be real Christ- 
mas presents {cries). And I wanted a book, and a pencil 
box and a ring and — and — a muff and — and — 

Minerva {fiercely) — Now see here, Jennie. You stop 
crying this minute. Ma's feeling dreadful bad as it is be- 
cause she can't give us a real-to-goodness Christmas with- 
out store presents — 

Bill {shaking her) — Aw, shut up, Jennie. I guess one 
Christmas without regular presents won't kill us. And 
there will be heaps of fun makin' them and keepin' secrets 
and things. I bet I kin make Bobby the dandiest top you 
ever saw. 

Jennie {brightening) — And I'll make a picture book for 
Betty. 

Minerva — You're talking now. They'll be tickled to 
pieces with them. 

Ma {outside) — Minerva, where are you? 

Pa {outside) — Sam, come here a minute. 

Minerva — There's Ma calling me! {exit). 

11 



SNOWBOUND FOR CHRISTMAS. 

Sam — There's Pa calling me! (exit). 

Jennie — Say, Bill, I've got something thought out for 
Nervy too. 

Bill— What? 

Jennie — Well, you know that piece of green silk Aunt 
Mary gave me for a doll's dress? I'm going to make a bag 
for Nervy to carry her crochet in and put featherstitching 
on it with the purple sil — silk — silklene I've got. 

Bill — Aw shucks, you haven't time. 

Jennie — I have, too, it just takes a few minutes. Boys 
don't know nothin' about sewin'. 

Bill — Aw, sewin'. Hockey beats that all to pieces. 
What kin I give Sam? (picks up magazine). Oh, I know, 
I'll cut up the ads in our old magazine and glue them on 
pastd3oard. They'll make swell picture puzzles. 

Jennie — Oh goody! I just love picture-puzzles. 

Bill — I ain't makin' them for you, they're for Sam, I 
told you. 

Jennie — Well, he'll let me play with them. He ain't 
stingy like some people I know. 

Bill — Hush, here's Sam now. 

Enter Sam and Minerva 

Minerva — Sam and I have thought of presents for every- 
body but Ma and Pa. What can we give them, I wonder. 

12 



SNOWBOUND FOR CHRISTMAS. 

Sam — Have you kids anything for them? 

Bill and Jennie — No. 

Jennie — What can we give them? 

Minerva — I don't know. There isn't time to make much 
and Fve promised to help her make the f — (puts hand on 
mouth), 

Jennie — Make what? 

Minerva — Make sortie taffy. Bobby's cracking nuts for 
it. 

Bill (turning somersault) — Oh, I've got an idea. 

All— What is it? 

Bill — •! know what'll please them more'n anything. 

Jennie — For goodness sake, Bill, get up and tell us. 
Don't keep us in suspenders. 

Bill — Well, I read a story once where a lot of kids in- 
stead of givin' their pa and ma presents, wrote notes 
promisin' tO' do the chores and things they hated most for a 
whole year without bein' told and — 

Minerva — Oh, that's a splendid idea! 

Sam — It is if we can stick to it. 

Jennie — I don't believe none of us could — not for a 
whole year. 

Minerva — We can if we love them enough to really try. 
Will you do it? 

13 



SNOWBOUND FOR CHRISTMAS. 

Sam — All right, I'm game. 

Bill — So am I. 

Jennie — Fll — has it got to be what you hate the very 
worst ? 

Bill — Of course, it ain't no good to promise something 
easy. Anyone could do that. 

Minerva — And it will show whether you love them 
enough to sac-to sacer-sacerfice ourselves for them. 

Jennie — I, guess I can do it. Anyway I'll try awful 
hard. 

Minerva — 'I know you will, Jennie. I'll go and call the 
twins. 

Sam — Do you think we had better let them in on it. 

Minerva — Why, of course, Pa and Ma would be so 
pleased. 

Bill— That settles it. (calls) Bobby! Betty! Jennie, 
hunt up some paper and pencils. 

Enter Twins 

Twins — What do you want ? 

Jennie — We're talking about the Christmas present we're 
going to give Ma and Pa and — 

Betty — Why, ithn't Thanta goin' to give them any 
prethents ? 

14 



SNOWBOUND FOR CHRISTMAS. 

Minerva — No, dear, Santa just brings presents to chil- 
dren. Would you like to do something that will please Pa 
and Ma very much? 

Betty — Yeth, tell uth what it ith. 

Minerva — We are all going to promise to do something 
we hate doing for a whole year without being told. 

Bobby — That ain't no present. 

Sam — Oh, yes, it is the very best kind. 

Bobby — But you can't put a pwomise on a Christmas tree. 

Bill — We put notes on instead. Will you do it? 

Bobby — I guess so. I like doin' everything I have to, SO 
it won't be hard for me to pwomise. 

Jennie — Oh, you little lilac. What a fib. 

Bobby — It ain't then. 

Jennie — It is too. I could tell you half a dozen things 
you make a fuss about. Here's paper and pencils (dis- 
tributes them), 

Minerva — Now let's get around the table and -write our 
notes. I'll write yours for you Betty. 

Betty — No. I'll wite it mythelf. 

Jennie — You can't write nothin' anyone could read. 

Betty — ^^I can print then, ith's eathier to read. 

Bobby — So can I. You can spell the hard words for me, 
Sam. 

15 



SNOWBOUND FOR CHRISTMAS. 

Minerva — You didn't give me a pencil, Jennie. 

Jennie — There wasn't enough to go around. Bill, see if 
you have one in your pocket. 

Bill — All right (empties pocket full of truck, brings out 
dead mouse and pencil at last. Girls scream, Minerva jumps 
on chair), 

Minerva — Oh Bill, you nasty boy. 

Bill (laughs). Girls are the beatenest. Afraid of a 
dead mouse ! (puts things back in pocket). 

Sam — Let's get down to business. We haven't any time 
to waste. 

Minerva — I don't know which I hate doing worse, wash- 
ing dishes or dusting (bites pencil), 

Jennie — I wouldn't bite that pencil if I was you. It's 
been rubbin' up against that dead mouse. 

Minerva (slipping it down) — Ugh! I'll not touch it. 
I'll use yours w^hen you're through. 

Bobby — 'I w^ish you'd keep quiet so that I could think up 
something to pwomise. I don't know nothin' I hate doin'. 

Jennie — Oh, Bobby, look at your ears, they're — 

Bobby — I can't. My eyes ain't in the back of my head. 

Jennie — You didn't wash behind them this morning. 

Bobby (jumping around) — I know, I know, I'll pwomise 
to— 

16 



SNOWBOUND FOR CHRISTMAS. 

Sam — Let's not tell each other what we're goin' to prom- 
ise. There'll be more fun reading the notes tomorrow. 

Betty — Notes don't make much thow on a Chwismas 
tree. 

Jennie {claps hands) — I've got it! I've got it! I've 
got it ! 

Bill — What, a lunatic germ? 

Jennie — Let's put a simpleton of what we're going to 
promise on the tree. 

Bill — A simpleton, what' that? 

Jennie — Why a sign, of course. You see if Nervy hates 
dusting, she can put a dust rag on the tree and make Pa and 
Ma guess what it stands for. 

Minerva — Symbol! That's what she means {laughs). A 
simpleton! Oh, Jennie, that's what you are. 

Jennie — I ain't then. They're the same thing. 

Minerva — The same thing, oh — 

Sam {excitedly) — By gimminy, Jen, that's the bullidst 

stunt yet. 

Bill — Oh, boys, it will make the jolliesf fun we've ever 
gotten out of a tree in all our lives. Let's do it. 

All — Yes, yes, let's do it. 

Curtain goes down on children writing in various posi- 
tions, Bobby wags tongue, Betty wiggles whole body, etc. 

17 



SNOWBOUND FOR CHRISTMAS. 

Act II 

Scene, — The Simpson living-room, tidied table pushed 
back and Christmas tree decorated with home-made trim- 
mings and presents tied in various ludicrous parcels. 

Enter Minerva carrying dishpan with note attached. 

Minerva — I go first because Fm the oldest. 

Jennie {outside) — That ain't no fair. 

Minerva {finger to lips) — Hush, you don't want to wake 
Ma. She didn't come to bed until near morning {puts dish- 
pan under tree). There, that's a promise it'll be mJghty hard 
to keep for if there's anything under the sun I hate doing 
it's washing dishes. Three times a day and there's 365 
days in the year, that washes, let me see — three times five is 
fifteen, three times six is eighteen, and one to carry is nine- 
teen, and three times three is nine and one's ten. Good 
gracious, over a thousand times a year and eight in the family 
means eight plates, eight cups, eight — a million dishes ! Oh 
dear, I wish our family was smaller. 

Enter Sam with armful of wood 

Sam — It takes a good sight longer for you to put a dish- 
pan down than for me to drop this wood {slams it dozmi). 
There's the first load delivered on the contract. Gee, I wish 
there was a gaswell on our farm. Perhaps I could persuade 
Ma to use a coal-oil stove. 

Enter Jennie with music roll 
18 



I 



SNOWBOUND FOR CHRISTMAS. 

Jennie — Oh dear, how I hate practising, but Ma says 
she's bound she'll make a musicale out of me. Her chance 
is better now than it ever was before (puts it on tree), 

Sam — ^Aw, Jen, why didn't you choose something quiet?" 
Do you want to drive us all insane listening to you running 
up and down those everlasting scales? 

Jennie — ^It's your own fault. You said we had to prom- 
ise what we hate doin' most and I'm sure — 

Minerva — I must get the twins up. 

Enter Bill with book-bag 

Bill — I had an awful hunt for this bag. Well, I know 
one person who'll be mighty glad I made this promise. 

Sam and Jennie — Who? 

Bill — The school-marm. And the strap will be gitten' a 
rest, too. I'm thinkin'. Gee, when I grow up and git in for 
president I'm goin' to have every school-marm in the States 
put in jail who gives homework (puts bag down). 
Enter Bobby carrying large bar of soap and Betty with an 

alarm clock 

Bobby — You'll not say I didn't wash behind my ears again, 
Jennie. I'm goin' to wash them every mornin' the water 
isn't froze in the pitcher. 

Betty — And you can't call me theepy-head neither cos 
I'm goin' to get up first time I'm called every mornin' cept 
Saturday (Minerva fastens clock on tree. Alarm goes off), 

19 



SNOWBOUND FOR CHRISTMAS. 

Minerva — There, that will waken Pa and Ma. 
Bobby — Oh, oh, oh, look at all them presents. Let me 
see what are mine {goes to tree and examines parcels), 

Sam {drags him away) — Here, Bobby, no peekin' 'til 
Pa and Ma come. 

Enter Pa and Ma 

Pa — Laws-a-me, children, what are you doin' out of bed 
and — 

Ma — And in your nighties, too. You'll catch your death 
of cold. 

Pa — Yes, and wakin' — well, I swan, what are you doin' 
with a woodpile under the tree? 

Ma — And a dish-pan and book-bag and — 

All — They're your Christmas presents! 

Pa and Ma — Our Christmas presents ! 

Sam {putting note in Pa's hand) — Read and see. 

Pa {reads) — 'T promise to fill up the wood box every 
morning before school. Your lovin' son, Sam." Well now 
if that ain't an original Christmas-box and a mighty good 
one, too. 

Minerva — Here's mine, Ma {hands the note). 
Ma {reads) — 

''Dear Ma, you need not ever fear 
That the dishes won't be done. 
For I'll wash them throughout the year 
And make believe it's fun." 
20 



SNOWBOUND FOR CHRISTMAS. 

You dear child, give me a kiss. And to think you hate 
doin' dishes so. This is what I call a noble sacrifice. 

Minerva — Oh Ma, Tm so glad. 

Bill {gives hook-hag and note to Pa) — See what a smart 
•boy I'm goin' to turn into ! 

Pa {reads) — "To Ma and Pa. T bet you won't believe 
me, but Tm goin' to get my homework up every night 'cept 
Friday as good as I can. — Bill." That's the way to talk, 
Bill. We'll all be proud of you some day. 

Jennie — Read mine. Ma, read mine. 

Ma {reads) — "To whom it may conserve. I, Jennie 
Simpson, do promise tO' practice my music lessons faithlessly 
and preservingly every time Ma says I must. I hope she'll 
be mercyfill." 

Ma — I will, Jennie, I promise. Bless your dear heart. 

Bobby {takes his off tree) — Here's mine! Here's mine! 
{gives it to Pa), 

Pa — Bless my soul! A cake of soap! {reads) "Pll al- 
ways keep behind my ears clean where it shows. — Bobby.'' 

Betty — And mine, and mine {gives to Ma). 

Ma — Is that what I heard? {reads) I — I— Oh, I haven't 
my glasses. You read it, Betty. 

Betty — "I pwomith to git up when I'm called if I'm not 
too theepy" {all laugh), 

Bobby — That ain't no pwomise. 

21 



SNOWBOUND FOR CHRISTMAS. 

Pa — Yes it is. And now children, you've made your 
Ala and me happier than we've ever been in our lives. 

Ma — Indeed you have. This shows us how much you 
love us better'n the costliest gifts in the world could have 
done. 

Bobby — Can't w^e get our presents, now? 

All — Yes, yes {every one scrambles for presents at once 

and open them before audience, exclaiming together). 

Minerva — A dress, a lovely party dress. Oh ! Oh ! 

Jenxie and Betty — Oh the lovely furs {puts them on). 

Bill — A hockey-stick. Ain't it great ! 

Bobby — Look at my sled. 

Pa — Now, boys as soon as you get dressed we'll go out to 
the barn and I'll show you some presents I've got for you. 

Boys — Oh, goody, goody (5/7/ and Bobby start for door). 

Sam — Hold on kids, before we go, let's give three cheers 
for the best Christmas we've ever had in all our lives. 

All — Hip, hip, hurrah ! Hip, hip, hurrah ! 

CURTAIN 



22 



PLAYS, MONOLOGS, Etc. 

AS OUR WASHWOMAN SEES IT. (Edna I. MacKenzie.) Time. 10 
minutes. Nora is seen at the washboard at the home of Mrs. McNeal, 
where, amidst her work, she engages in a line of gossip concerning 
her patrons, that will make a hit with any audience. 25 cents. 

ASK OU1JA. (Edna I. MacKenzie.) Time, 8 minutes. A present- 
day girl illustrates to her friends the wonders of the Oulja board. Her 
comments on the mysteries of this present-day fad as she consults 
Ouija will delight any audience. 25 cents. 

COONTOWN TROUBLES. (Bugbee-Berg.) A lively black-face 
song given by Josephus Johnsing, Uncle Rastus and other Coon- 
town folks. 35 cents. 

THE GREAT CHICKEN STEALING CASE OF EBENEZER 
COUNTY. (Walter Richardson.) A negro mock trial for 9 males, 2 
females and jurors. Time, 35 minutes. Any ordinary room easily ar- 
ranged. From start to finish this trial is ludicrous to the extreme 
and will bring roars of laughter from the audience. 25 cents. 

THE GREAT WHISKEY-STEALING CASE OF RUMBOLD VS. 
RYEBOLD. (Walter Richardson.) A mock trial for 11 males and 
jury. The fun increases as the trial proceeds, and reaches a climax 
when the jury decides who stole the whiskey. 25 cents. 

HERE'S TO THE LAND OF THE STARS AND THE STRIPES. 
(Bugbee- Worrell.) Open your minstrel with this rousing patriotic 
song. Sheet music. 35 cents. 

THE KINK IN KIZZIE'S WEDDING. (Mary Bonham.) Time, 20 
minutes. For 7 males and 5 females. A colored wedding that will 
convulse any audience with laughter. Said to be the funniest mock 
wedding ever produced. 25 cents. 

SHE SAYS SHE STUDIES. A monologue. (Edna L MacKenzie.) 
A sentimental high-school girl seated with her books preparing the 
next day's lessons, in a highly original and entertaining manner, ex- 
presses her views on the merits of her various studies and her un- 
biased opinion of her teachers, as she proceeds from book to book in 
the order of her recitation; but when she has finished, you will agree 
that she is very much more of an entertainer than a student. 
25 cents. 

SUSAN GETS READY FOR CHURCH. (Edna I. MacKenzie.) 
Time, 10 minutes. It is time for church and Susan, at her toilet, is 
excitedly calling for missing articles and her rapid line of gossip about 
her friends and of certain church activities will bring many a laugh. 
25 cents. 

THAT AWFUL LETTER. A comedy of unusual merit, in one act. 
(Edna I. MacKenzie.) For five ^irls. Time, 30 minutes. Recom- 
mended for high schools, societies and churches. Elizabeth Norton, an 
accomplished college girl from the country, has been reluctantly and 
rudely invited to visit a city cousin, Margaret Neilson, whom she has 
never seen. Finding she is expected to be gawky and uneducated, 
Elizabeth acts the part perfectly. Developments follow thick and 
fast amid flashes of wit, humor and satire from Elizabeth,, who at 
last reveals her real self. Margaret's humiliation is complete and 
there is a happy ending. All the characters are good. The country 
cousin is a star. 25 cents. 

THE UNEXPECTED GUEST. A one-act comedy. (Edna I. Mac- 
Kenzie.) Six females. Time, 45 minutes. The unexpected arrival of 
an eccentric aunt throws, a family into a state of excitement and 
dismay, but before the play is over the unwelcome aunt has en- 
deared herself to her rlatives in quite an unexpected manner. Funny 
situations throughout. 25 cents. 



Paine Publishing Company 



Dayton, Ohio 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



CHRISTMAS E 




014 211 989 4 • [ 



CHRISTMAS AT PUNKIN 

One of the most popular Chrlstm«„ , 

clean, wholesome fun from beginning to end. It depicts the trials 
of the teacher of an old-fashioned "deestric school'* in conducting the 
last rehearsal for the Christmas Entertainment. Children and grown- 
ups will be delighted with CHRISTMAS AT PUNKIN HOLLER. 26c. 

CHRISTMAS AT MCCARTHY'S. (Elizabeth P. Guptill.) A Christ- 
mas play for young folks and children that is brimful of fun from 
start to close and is interspersed with the gentlest pathos. All the 
characters are good. Easy to produce. No special scenery or cos- 
tumes. No Santa Claus. Can be played in any schoolroom. 25c. 

CHRISTMAS SPEAKIN* AT SRAGGS'8 SKULE. (Marie Irish.) 
Just published. Humorous entertainment for six boys and eight girls, 
including Ole, the Swede; Rastus, the negro; bashful Bill; Jeremiah 
Judkins, the skule clerk; Mis' Skaggs and Mis' Hill, the mothers who 
*'help out;" fat little sister; Matildy and Florildy, the twins; Sam 
who st-t-tut-ters; Tiny, and Miss Emmeline Elkins, the teacher. The 
speech by the skule clerk and the fake Santy Claus are features. 25c. 

CHRISTMAS DIALOGUES. (Cecil J. Richmond.) EJvery dialogue 
in this book is decidedly to the point and easy to prepare. They will 
delight both young and old. The book contains the following: Is 
There a Santa Clause? (2 small children, Santa Claus and chorus); 
Herbert's Discovery (2 boys); The Christmas Dinner (2 little girls, 
1 larger girl, and 2 boys); Playing Santa Claus (1 small and 3 larger 
boys); A Double Christmas Gift (2 small girls, 2 larger girls, and 3 
boys). Many customers have told us that the last named dialogue is 
worth the price of the book. 25 cents. 

EVERGREEN AND HOLLT— SONG AND DRILL. (Elizabeth F. 
Guptill. A drill for any even number of boys and girls, or all girls. The 
girls carry garlands of evergreen while the boys carry wreaths of the 
same. After a spectacular drill and fancy march they all sing a beau- 
tiful Christmas song, which accompanies the drill. Easy to produce and 
decidedly novel. 25 cents. 

GOOD-BYE, CHRISTMAS GROUCHES. (Irish-Lyman. ) A Jolly 
Christmas song for any number of boys and girls. It abounds with 
Christmas cheer and many pleasant surprises. Full of action. Sheet 
music. This popular song will put **pep" in your Christmas enter- 
tainment and will furnish your audience a rarf treat. 35 cents. 

POINSETTIA DRILL. (Marie Irish.) A drill for 12 or more 
girls carrying poinsettias. Given to the music of a lively march, 
interspersed with verses to the tune of the song. "Comin* Through 
the Rye." Several diagrams make clear the following ef the direc- 
tions. One of the most beautiful Christmas drills published. 25 cents. 

SANTA CLAUS IS COMING. ( Irish -Qarster.) Song for little 
folks. Easy words and simple action. A pleasing little song that the 
children will enjoy giving and others will enjoy hearing, because of 
its merry humor. Sheet music. 35 cents. 

STARS OF BETHLEHEM. ( Irish -Leyman.) A beatitiful song of 
the Christ Child for either solo ©r chorus. The music is sweet and 
perfectly suited to the beautiful words. A delightful number for 
children or adults. Sheet music, 35 cents. 

SNOWBOUND FOR CHRISTMAS. (Edna I. MacKensie.) For 4 
boys and 4 girls. Time, 25 minutes. The roads being blocked by a recent 
snowstorm, the Simpson family has not been able to get to town to 
do their Christmas shopping. After considerable lamenting by the 
children over their disappointment. Ma Simpson, Pa Simpson, and 
the older children determine upon home-made presents, which results 
in a most pleasant surprise. 25 cents. 

TOPSY TURVy CHRISTMAS, A. (Elizabeth F. Guptill.) A de- 
cidedly humorous Christmas play for any number of children from six 
to twelve years old. The children are tired of "minding** and of 
everything being "just so," so they start to find a place where things 
will be different. There is a pleasing surprise for the audience at every 
turn of the play. 25 cents. 



Paine Publishing Company 



Dasrton^ Ohio 



